I have no idea where to begin. I can't seem to elaborate on myself. But I suppose if I could describe myself fully and completely within a few paragraphs on a dating website then I wouldn't be very interesting, would I?

Here are a few highlights:
I'm an east coast girl through and through who loves Northern California. I've been here 11 years but never find the landscape any less dramatic every time I see it. There are so many sunny, beautiful days and on any one of them it kills me to be inside. Hiking and swimming are my favorite activities. And I hope to do some backpacking and camping in the spring. I've also been taking a woodworking class for about the past year (my current project is a chair... I'm not totally sure how it'll turn out yet but even if i screw it up completely I'm loving the learning process :)).

I like to be active. I used to lead a run club but a foot injury turned me into a swimmer. I now swim whenever I can (I'm a member of the masters swim team) and can't imagine giving it up. And I've recently started rock climbing and although I'm a beginner I'm already totally addicted!! (and catching on quick, i think. :)). But don't get me wrong, I definitely know how to relax, too... a crossword in the park or a horror movie and homemade popcorn on a rainy day.

I'm an art gallery manager for a living so, consequently, go to a fair amount of art openings and events. But I don't take myself too seriously. I'm goofy and clumsy and sarcastic. My idea of a good time is boardgames with friends or bowling.

I'd like to find someone who enjoys outdoor activities like hiking or camping or kayaking (I'm not good at it but i love it) or something else that I don't do but would be willing to teach/share with me (I'm always open to new things). And someone who is ok with doing dorky things with me like history walks and cribbage games and ghost tours. I love a sense of humor. Also a sense of exuberance -- an openness of personality. Patience, honesty, integrity... all obviously important.

I've been described as warm, generous, non-judgmental, funny, sincere, goofy, sarcastic. The more you get to know me, the more you'll see.

I hope this glimpse of me is helpful.

I didn't know which section to put this in but...
I was IMing a friend the other day about a daydream I had about my Mr. Right. I thought I'd share...

me: i had a weird little moment at the auction last night.
i saw this guy walking around.
he wasn't anything super special.
but he was tall and slim and had wild dark hair and scruff.
not toooo good looking to be cocky. ;)
anyway i had this total daydream about what i imagined him to be like.
and in doing so, i kind of envisioned part of the type of guy/relationship i'm looking for/want.

Friend: which is?
one with a lot of pizza and sex?

me: :/

Friend: seriously
what?

me: well i can't really put it into words. it was a daydream. but...
he was just really kind and goofy and super smart.
and really funny in a dorky sort of way.
and
he was enthusiastic about things.
happy, too. but not in an unrealistic hippie sort of way.
really insightful.
and thoughtful.
with lots of integrity (but not in a self-righteous way).
but mostly that we could talk and talk and talk about anything. and we made each other laugh a lot.

Friend: yeah
i getthat

me: but what really really hit me.

Friend: sounds nice

me: was that he was super super kind to me.
just adored me. but was so sweet to me.

Friend: you do deserve it

I hum the James Bond theme song every time I drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. :/

I'm looking for a relationship. Well, let me clarify... I'm very independent and not looking for a relationship merely to be with someone. I certainly don't need that. So, really... I'm looking for love. I know it's a process of meeting people, finding someone wonderful that you have a great connection with, spending time with them, getting to know them and seeing where it goes. I'm not at all saying I'd jump into something on the first date. i'm not desperate for it or in a rush (in fact, I think I'd freak out if you rushed me). But, ultimately, love and relationship are what I'm looking for. So, please (pretty please) don't waste my time if you a) don't know what you want, b) just broke up with someone and need a rebound, c) are bored and lonely, d) aren't emotionally available e) want to casually date because it's fun to go to dinner/drinks with a nice, pretty girl on occasion but don't want it to go further or f) have any "unfinished" relationships. In no way am I placing judgement on a, b, c, d, e or f. I'm just not interested in any of that. I know it's not going to make me very popular on this site but I want to be completely upfront that my goal for okcupid is love and a relationship. I know there must be wonderful, interesting, smart, funny attractive men on here who are looking for the same. :)